The real estate market in Franche-Comté
Average prices in Besançon, Dole, Lons-le-Saunier…
The Franche-Comté real estate market is characterized by its moderate pricing, well below that of major national metropolises. In Besançon, a dynamic university city, the average price per m² for an apartment hovers around €2,300, compared to €1,600 in Lons-le-Saunier and about €1,500 in Dole.
To gain a clearer view of the demand for properties, according to data from Green Acres, the average price of properties sought in Besançon real estate reaches €457,000 for an average area of 321 m², illustrating the attraction for larger spaces.
On the Dole side, the average is around €358,000 for 174 m² of living space for real estate purchases.
Finally, real estate acquisitions in Lons-le-Saunier show an average price of €340,000 for 198 m². These attractive values allow first-time buyers as well as investors to position themselves.
- More accessible purchases than in Savoie or Alsace
- Controlled budget for families and retirees
- Good rental potential in the city center
Opportunities in border villages with Switzerland
Proximity necessitates that areas close to Switzerland (Pontarlier, Morteau…) benefit from strong demand driven by cross-border workers.
For example, concerning real estate in Pontarlier, the average demand pertains to properties valued at €396,000 for 242 m² of living area, while in Morteau in Doubs, the average of properties sought reaches €335,000 for 141 m².
This continued attractiveness, supported by Swiss clientele, contributes to great market fluidity.
- Possibility to live in France while working in Switzerland
- Quick return investments in some neighboring municipalities
Types of available properties
Renovated farms, apartments in old buildings, modern homes
From one village to another, the offerings cater to all tastes: renovated Comtoise farms, character apartments in elegant buildings, or contemporary homes with large grounds.
According to the Green Acres database, many unique and spacious properties are particularly sought after for secondary residence projects or heritage investment. The local stone gives the homes charm and solidity.
- Unique properties with high appreciation potential
- Diversity for all types of projects, from primary residences to second homes
Buildable land in rural areas
The region remains a land of opportunities for construction projects: land remains numerous and affordable in the plains or villages. Building your house remains a beautiful adventure here, especially as the trend of returning to nature gains ground 🙂.
Buyer profiles in Franche-Comté
Locals, cross-border commuters, investors
The Franche-Comté market welcomes varied profiles: locals looking to expand, Swiss or cross-border workers seeking lower prices, or investors attracted by the profitability of properties near the border.
For example, in Doubs in 2024, foreign clientele carried out 59 transactions, nearly half by Swiss buyers (44% of acquisitions made by foreigners), favoring properties around €185,000. In Jura, the Swiss are also very present, representing 63% of foreign buyers, with an average amount of €225,000, according to notarial statistics.
Overall, the segment of secondary residences remains marginal (2 to 3% of transactions), but targets larger areas than average.
- Primary residence, secondary residence or rental investment projects
- Desire for a preserved environment and European proximity
New rural residents seeking serenity and controlled budgets
In recent years, newcomers are settling in, attracted by space, quality of life, and a cost of living below the national average.
In 2024, price stability is noted in Doubs (0% change), and a slight rise of 1% in Jura, a guarantee of security for households seeking a reasonable investment in an uncertain national context.
Villages are thus welcoming families, retirees, or city dwellers tired of urban pace… A breath of fresh air is blowing over Franche-Comté! 🌳
